With an average of 300 sunny days a year, along with 220 parks, 24 greenbelts and more than 32 miles of inner-city trails, Austin makes it tough to find an excuse not to run off those breakfast tacos.
With data from fitness app Strava and other running sources, here's a look at some of the most popular, challenging and off-the-wall routes around the city.
Lady Bird Lake
First up, Austin's classic running route: A loop around Lady Bird Lake. Still dubbed Town Lake by the locals, the waterway is a portion of the Colorado river that snakes right through downtown and along Zilker Metropolitan Park. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail circles the lake, while six bridges allow runners, walkers and cyclers to explore as little as 3.1 miles or all 10 at once. Throughout the full route, elevation changes up to 400 feet. And along the way you'll find a mix of urban and natural scenery, cool breezes off the water, plenty of restrooms and water fountains, and, if you make it all the way to Congress Avenue Bridge on a spring or summer evening, possible bat sightings.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Thanks to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin's trail-running enthusiasts don't have to travel far for rocky cliffs and creek crossings. Despite the fact that Austin is home to multiple greenbelts, the beloved trail is often referred to as "The Greenbelt" by locals.
The 7-mile main trail begins at Zilker Metropolitan Park, a 351-acre park located just across Lady Bird Lake from downtown, and heads to "The Hill of Life," a roughly 300-foot climb, in the Woods of Westlake Hilltop subdivision. Running along Barton Creek and steep limestone cliffs, a round trip excursion offers a nearly 500 foot elevation gain, but serious trail runners can also explore technical trails that break off into the surrounding hills. Or, for a more leisurely experience, dip your toes in the creeks during the spring season or stop for a swim in the famous creek-fed Barton Springs swimming pool of Zilker park on your way back to downtown.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
A solid option for novice trail runners: Walnut Creek Metro Park. North of downtown, the nearly 300-acre park offers 17 miles of trails. Here you'll find more rolling hills than steep inclines that are highly popular with runners, mountain bikers and dog-walkers. While there, you could take on a 6.3 mile run with 565 feet of elevation change and cross all three creeks, or take it a bit easier with a 1.3 mile loop with just 85 feet elevation gain. Whichever way you choose, just be prepared to dodge the many protruding tree roots throughout the trail system.
More details via Strava and AllTrails >>
Shoal Creek
If running through the heart of downtown is what you're after, Shoal Creek is a popular option that doesn't sacrifice scenic views or off-road opportunities. The full Shoal Creek Trail runs through the greenbelt along North Lamar Boulevard from 38th Street in Central Austin down to Town Lake. Paved in some places and not in others, the city's oldest trail weaves under old oak trees through Pease District Park (the home of Eeyore's annual birthday party) and Duncan Park, crossing the creek several times along the way. You'll also find yourself near some distracting urban destinations, like Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, P. Terry's Burger Stand and Whole Foods. A full out-and-back is approximately 7.1 miles, with 102 feet of elevation gain. Improvements have been underway between 5th and 15th streets, so be prepared for slight detours.
More details via MapMyRun and Austin Public Works Trail Updates >>
Austin Gorilla Run
If you prefer running in a pack for a cause, you won't want to miss the Austin Gorilla Run. Every January, hundreds of people dressed as gorillas and bananas hit the road for a 5K around the Camp Mabry military base just north of downtown, to raise funds for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, which aims to save mankind's closet relative from extinction. In true Austin style, crossing the finish line is rewarded with a free beer: the Silverback Pale Ale from local brewer Thirsty Planet, brewed specially for the occasion. And one week before, runners prepare with a pub crawl.
